Bui Hoa An, deputy director of the municipal Department of Construction, said on October 22 that vehicle inspection centres and authorised dealerships were preparing equipment and staff for the new requirements.
Although the city has a large motorcycle fleet, initial inspections will focus mainly on older vehicles, with newer models making up much of the fleet.
Authorities are working with the Vietnam Register to finalise inspection fees and develop digital systems to identify vehicles meeting emission standards.
Under a government decision, mandatory motorcycle emission testing will begin in Hanoi and HCM City on July 1, 2027, followed by other centrally governed cities in 2028 and the remaining provinces in 2030.
Emission standards will vary according to engine capacity and manufacturing date, with newer motorcycles subject to stricter requirements.
From January 1, 2028, motorcycles operating in Hanoi and HCM City must meet at least Level 2 emission standards.
Motorcycles no more than five years old at their first inspection will be eligible for emission certificates without being brought to testing centres.
HCM City currently has about 12.82 million registered vehicles, roughly 90 per cent of them motorcycles, posing major challenges for air quality and emissions control.
The city is also drafting policies to promote greener transport and establish low-emission zones.
Under the proposal, permanent residents would receive reimbursement for their first motorcycle emission test through the end of 2028, with payments transferred directly to their bank accounts.
